The Ultimate Guide to Full Overlay Cabinets: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Kitchen Makeover
Hey there! I’m Sarah, an interior designer with 15 years of experience in kitchen transformations, and today I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about full overlay cabinets.
Let’s cut straight to the chase – if you’re dreaming of that sleek, modern kitchen look, full overlay cabinets might be your perfect match.
What Are Full Overlay Cabinets, Anyway?
Think of full overlay cabinets as the ninjas of cabinet design – they’re super stealth, showing barely any frame when closed. Unlike their traditional cousins that show lots of frame, these beauties cover almost everything, leaving just a tiny peek-a-boo gap (about 1/4 inch) around the edges.
The Good Stuff About Full Overlay Cabinets:
- Clean lines that’ll make your kitchen look like it belongs in a magazine
- More storage space (every inch counts in a kitchen!)
- Perfect for modern and contemporary homes
- Less dust-catching gaps between cabinets
- Makes your kitchen look more expensive (even if it wasn’t!)
But Keep in Mind:
- They typically cost more than partial overlay cabinets
- Installation needs to be super precise
- Hardware is a must (no hidden pulls here)
- Might need extra planning for corners and edges
Pro Tips From My Experience:
- Always measure twice – these cabinets are less forgiving with mistakes
- Consider soft-close hinges to prevent slamming
- Pick your hardware before installation
- Think about your kitchen traffic flow – these doors need more clearance
Style Options That Rock:
- Sleek high-gloss for ultra-modern vibes
- Warm wood grains for transitional spaces
- Painted finishes for that custom look
- Textured laminates for something different
Here’s the real talk – I installed full overlay cabinets in my own kitchen five years ago, and they’re still turning heads at every dinner party. But remember, what worked in my space might not work in yours.
Want my honest advice? Take your time planning. These cabinets are like the little black dress of kitchen design – timeless when done right, but you gotta make sure they fit your style and space perfectly.
Listen, kitchen renovations are tough enough without second-guessing your cabinet choice. If you’re going for that clean, contemporary look, full overlay cabinets are hard to beat. Just make sure you’ve got a skilled installer – trust me, I’ve seen enough DIY disasters to know this isn’t the place to cut corners!
Need more kitchen inspo? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear about your renovation plans!